Managing the Diversity Maze

Ever wondered what 'diversity' and 'inclusion' are about? Or would you like to embed them effectively within your organisation? This is the book for you. If you also lead any group of people and need to have knowledge of the fairest way to manage and empower them, managing the diversity maze will show you how to do it. With a focus on the persistence of racism, regardless of measures taken down the years, it will change your perception of interactions with people who are different.Over 15 chapters, managing the diversity maze gives a cohesive overview of diversity inclusion. It sweeps across the subject expertly, providing historical, political, business, and operational insights that are hardly found anywhere else. It clearly demonstrates: - the widespread ignorance of diversity inclusion;- the way language impacts upon human difference in a devastating way; - the big difference between equal opportunities and diversity, and their inherent contradictions; - the most powerful word that controls diversity beliefs and actions; - the reason gender bias and discrepancies in pay, will remain embedded in organisational systems; - the myths and misconceptions around diversity inclusion; - the most effective strategies to develop diversity within the workplace; - why diversity inclusion and public service objectives do not go together; - the pernicious and embedded effect of institutional racism;- the effect of institutional racism on minority contribution, recognition and achievement- the importance of diversity training for the most effective inclusion management;- how the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce can be developed for the greatest benefit to the bottom line.....and much, much, more.The final chapter contains a Diversity Dialogue that includes some informative and fascinating articles from different perspectives on the concepts of diversity and racism, providing much food for thought and room for debate - a chapter designed to challenge inflexible beliefs around difference. There are also Reflection exercises throughout each chapter to help understanding of the concepts, subject matter, and particular points of discussion.As Elaine Sihera notes, with an uncomfortable truth about current diversity inclusion: "The 'business case' for diversity is important, but it should not be the only reason for good practice, neither should it negate the natural make-up of our world. After all, the White population has never had to justify its talent, presence, and inclusion with a 'business case'! Their presence has always been regarded as automatic to the work situation, judged on individual merit, according to the specific talents required - an important element in any kind of economic success."Elaine's irreverent, knowledgeable, no-nonsense style will keep you reading managing the diversity maze for some time. It promises to reveal much that will be informative, surprising, thought-provoking, and, above all, highly challenging!